By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
Barça coach Xavi Pascual appeared before the EuroLeague game against Virtus Bologna with a clear message: they must react immediately after the setback suffered in the Copa del Rey basketball tournament.
The Barça coach didn’t hide the importance of the match, both for the team’s morale and for their continental qualification. “It’s a very important game for us and for them. After the defeat in the Cup, we want to win immediately. The team has worked very well these past few days; it had been a long time since we could train together. We’ve all trained, and we’re all available. This should give us the energy to compete. We hope to have a good reaction in the game, which we’re approaching with this mentality, and also because of our EuroLeague qualification.”
After several months marked by a demanding schedule and injuries, Pascual was happy to have all his players available against an opponent that will demand the highest level of performance. “Virtus is a team that has also had some injury problems. They’re very intense, capable of running, and have excellent athleticism… It will be a very tough game; we’ll have to play well if we want to win.”
Beyond the immediate match, Pascual placed the team’s current situation within a broader context. “The team has reacted well. As I told you, this game was difficult to play whether you win or lose. The seasons are divided into three parts: up to the Cup, the part where the regular season standings are decided, and a final part that is pure competition, the playoffs. Now we’re entering this second, very important part.”
Finally, Pascual addressed the roster situation and ruled out any moves in the transfer market. “At the squad level, the situation is what it is. We can’t make any signings, that’s it. We are who we are, we’re happy, and we’re giving it our all. We’re not dwelling on it. We have to stick together and earn the support of the fans, who are supporting us incredibly well. We try every day to make them proud of us. This is the reality, and we have to improve.”